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March 31, 2011

Changing Census and sensibility in a new India'I realise that in some ways the Census is a peephole into a changing India. It's not just about transgenders or the disabled. This time marital status includes separate categories for divorced and separated. Mental illness has been separated from mental retardation. For the first time, the census taker is asking for the date of birth.'Stars descend as man who ended Cold War turns 80Hollywood stars, singers and politicians all turned out on Wednesday for the eclectic birthday bash of Mikhail Gorbachev, the last head of state of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, who turned 80 earlier this month.Has the Mecca Masjid probe gone cold?The Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee may have filed it report on the police firing that killed nine persons following the Mecca Masjid blasts in Hyderabad, but feels the matter appears to have gone in to cold storage.Cricket, diplomacy should be separate: BJPThe Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said cricket and diplomacy between India and Pakistan should be kept separate and the game should allowed to remain a game.TN poll jackpot: Sona, ghar, rupaiya...Do you want a washing machine or a fan? This question may well become the crucial factor that determines which party -- the ruling DMK or the Opposition AIADMK -- wins the Tamil Nadu assembly election.No second term for Obama, say 50 pc AmericansFifty per cent of Americans taking part in a Quinnipiac Poll don't believe President Barack Obama deserves a second term, while 41 percent think he deserves to be re-elected in 2012.India can help Pakistan get rid of its fearsMohali marked a refreshingly different approach to the exercise to impart a strategic new dimension to bilateral relations, believes B RamanIndia's population=US+Indonesia+Brazil+Pak+B'deshIndia's population growth in 2011 is 17.64 per cent in comparison to 21.15 per cent in 2001, according to the Census report released on Thursday.Arabia's better halves: The beauty and brainsFor years, Arab's first ladies were completely absent from public life. But over the years things have changed drastically. From social work and intellectual reforms to sharing the responsibility of nation building with their husband's the women have enchanted the Arab world with their grace and elegance. And leading from the front are the three dynamic young ladies -- Syria's Asma al-Assad, Jordan's Queen Rania and Qatar's Sheikha Moza.'Message from Mohali is that people want peace'Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that India and Pakistan should put their "ancient animosities" behind them and a "permanent reconciliation" was required so that the two neighbours "live with dignity and honour".Super 30 founder has answer to world's problemsEducation is the answer to world's pressing problems, Anand Kumar, a mathematician and founder of Super 30, has said.'A victory for cricket and two countries'"Today's match brought the peoples and leadership of the two countries together. This, I believe, is the positive outcome of today's semifinal," Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said in a message.PIX: Cricket, dinner and diplomacy in MohaliMixing cricket with diplomacy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held wide-ranging discussions with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani when he favoured the need for an "atmosphere free of violence" in order to ensure thorough mobilisation of bilateral ties

March 30, 2011

IN PHOTOS: When PM Singh met Gilani at MohaliPrime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday received his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani at the cricket stadium in Mohali where they will watch the Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final and hold bilateral talks.'He was a diplomat's diplomat'Several hundred members of the Indian American community in the Washington DC area packed the synagogue at the Julia Bindman Suburban Center in Potomac, Maryland, to pay tribute to the late Ambassador Raminder Singh Jassal at a memorial service in his honour on March 27, organised by the National Council of Asian Indian Associations and the American Jewish Committee.'We don't need Gaddafi as a possibility for Libya'The destruction of Gaddafi's military capacity is a matter of days or weeks, certainly not months, says France's Ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont.In PHOTOS: Japan, a picture of silent resilienceEighteen days after the 8.9 quake hit Japan, and the ensuing Tsunami that wreaked havoc, its people are yet to accept their fate. As life slowly crawls to normal, the nation is learning to cope and come to terms with the tragedyObama's 'impeachable' act: Unaffordable Libya warMore than a week after coalition forces led by United States launched a military operation in crisis-struck Libya, the cost to US taxpayers has already reached a whopping $600 million (about Rs 27,000 crore), as per Pentagon estimates, ABC reported.Poll Dope: Cash for votes in police jeep?Missed out on the political buzz in the poll-bound states of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry? Here's your daily election dopeJourney to the centre of the Earth? It's for realIn what mimics the classic sci-fi movie 'Journey To The Centre Of The Earth', British scientists claim to be planning to drill through five miles of solid rock to Earth's mantle for the first time, and bring back samples.Mohali Madness: Just being essentially Indian tries to decipher the Mohali phenomenon with help of Dr Sheth

March 29, 2011

PIX: India's booming salute for fallen soldiersIn an unusual pilgrimage, visits a war memorial that doesn't allow us to forget the sacrifices of India's martyrs.Libya op: Humanitarian? Bah, it's about oil silly!Whatever the humanitarian stance taken by the leaders in Washington, London and Paris, the real catalyst for action in Libya is not the deaths of countless civilians, but the need to secure the supply of oil to an increasingly thirsty developed world, argues 'Book reveals author's mind, not Gandhi's'Controversy has refused to die down over claims about Mahatma Gandhi's sexual preferences in a new book with Gandhi's kin and historians saying it was an attempt to 'sensationalise' the life of the icon of non-violence and showed the 'negative' mindset of the author.West leaders meet in London to plan Gaddafi's exitA regrouped Libyan opposition on Tuesday launched a fresh offensive on Muammar Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte ahead of a crucial meeting of leaders of western and Arab nations in London to seek a possible deal for Libyan leaders exit from power.Just adding zeroes doesn't make a scam: KarunaIn an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunandhi defended himself in the 2G spectrum scam and noted that it's not a scam till it's proven in the Supreme Court.REVEALED: The Telangana report that was hushed upWhy did the government hide the content of the 8th chapter of the Sri Krishna report on the formation of Telangana? reveals the explosive suggestions made in that chapterWhy Dr Singh needs to visit PakistanVisits at the top level help in imparting the required momentum to bilateral relations, says B RamanWhy Jeffrey Archer finds India most excitingJeffrey Archer speaks with Sudarshna Dwivedi on the first book of his five part The Clifton Chronicles, what pushes him to keeps writing at 70, his fitness routine, cricket and India.China top 'executioner' in the world: AmnestyChina and the United States still remain among the top countries executing prisoners, resisting the global trend of abolishing death penalty, an Amnesty International report has revealed.50 pc drop of asylum-seekers in West over decade!New figures compiled by the United Nations refugee agency have shown a dramatic fall in the number of asylum-seekers trying to enter the industrialised world over the last decade.No terror threat to World Cup: InterpolInterpol, the world police organisation, conveyed to India on Monday that there was no threat to the ongoing Cricket World Cup and media reports in this regard were "absolutely wrong".India to soon unveil 5,000 km-range Agni missiles!India is developing a 5,000 km-range Agni ballistic missile, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Monday.PHOTOS: 'Spiderman' scales world's tallest towerThe climb was held as part of the 'Education Without Borders 2011' international student conference organised by the UAE's Higher Colleges of Technology.Mohali meet: A feel-good gesture. That's it!In the run-up to the much-awaited cricket battle, signals from New Delhi suggest that Mohali is neither Sharam-el-Sheikh of 2009 nor Shimla of 1972 (where the bilateral meeting between then prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto inked the historic agreement).What if Pakistan wins the WC semi-final...Sections of the Congress party have quietly voiced their resentment over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invitation to the Pakistani leadership to watch the India-Pakistan World Cup semi-final clash at Mohali.

March 28, 2011

After cricket, dinner diplomacy in MohaliPrime Minister Manmohan Singh will host a dinner for his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani during the latter's visit to the city to witness the India-Pakistan World Cup cricket semi-final clash on Wednesday2G scam: PAC summons Tata, Anil Ambani, RadiaParliament's Public Accounts Committee has called leading industrialists, including Ratan Tata and Anil Ambani, and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia to appear before the panel in connection with the 2G spectrum scam which it is probing.Gilani welcome for match, not dialogue: AdvaniBharatiya Janata Party patriarch LK Advani on Monday opposed a formal dialogue with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani who will attend the World Cup semi-final clash between India and Pakistan on Wednesday with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.Fukushima operators' disastrous error irks JapanJapanese government on Monday blasted the operator of the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant for its "absolutely unacceptable" mistake of giving an extremely high radiation reading, as engineers battled to contain the country's worst atomic crisis.NATO takes immediate command of Libya operationThe 28-member North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has announced to take over all the international operations in Libya, including military operations to enforce no-fly-zone, enforcement of arms embargo and the civilian protections.Inviting Pak leaders an important but risky moveDr Singh's invitation to Pakistan's head of State and head of government is an important but risky gesture which could have political consequences, believes B Raman'Muslim countries are soft targets for America'Rediff.com talked to some members of the Muslim community in India to gauge their reaction to the air-strikes on Libya.AIADMK will form the next govt in TN: JayalalithaWith the assembly elections in fast approaching, the campaign juggernaut has started rolling through the streets of Tamil Nadu. While the 2G-scam hit Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam is doing everything it can to regain its popularity, Jayalalitha's whirlwind campaign is only gathering more steam. Rediff.com analyses the situation in poll-bound Tamil Nadu as election fever grips the state.

March 27, 2011

Fukushima radiation 10 million times above normal!Workers were evacuated from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant on Sunday after radiation levels surged 10 million times higher than usual, dealing a major blow to efforts to avoid a meltdown of the reactors.'Jaitley's Hindutva remark shows BJP's real face'Union Minister Kapil Sibal on Sunday said Arun Jaitley's reported comment that the Bharatiya Janata Party was using Hindutva as an opportunistic tool has exposed the real face of the party and demand an apology from him. The senior Congress leader also asked BJP veteran L K Advani and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to tell the nation "what they now think about Jaitley."'Beware of commando-style swarm attack at Mohali'With Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani accepting Dr Manmohan Singh's invitation to watch the India-Pakistan World Cup semifinals, Mohali has hit fever pitch. India's security agencies face a daunting challenge before Wednesday's high-profile clash as intelligence agencies have warned for a possible terror strike at one of the WC venues, says senior analyst B Raman.Gilani to attend World Cup semi-final at MohaliPakistani officials have dismissed reports that Prime Minister Gilani has already accepted his Indian counterpart's invitation to watch the semi-final match between the cricket teams of the two countries, saying a decision would be made when the premier returns from a visit to Uzbekistan.

March 26, 2011

In PHOTOS: The big switch offMillions around the world took part in Earth Hour on Saturday night, with more and more cities embracing the initiative this year. We bring you a presentation of pictures taken before and during the event, from all over the world.PIX: Libyan rebels take over Ajdabiya, eye BregaLibyan rebels on Saturday regained control of the strategic oil town of Ajdabiya after a week-long airstrikes by western coalition crippled Muammar Gaddafi's forces, amid indication that the tide may be turning against the emabattled leader.'Hindutva an opportunistic issue for BJP: Jaitley'It was Bharatiya Janata Party's turn yet again to be hit by Wikileaks cables with a US diplomat reporting that its senior leader Arun Jaitley had remarked to him that Hindu nationalism is an "opportunistic issue" for his party.News Digest: The World this WeekMissed out on the major international news this week? Don't worry. We bring you a round-up of major stories this week.Pak yet to accept Dr Singh's cricket invitePakistani officials have dismissed reports that Prime Minister Gilani has already accepted his Indian counterpart's invitation to watch the semi-final match between the cricket teams of the two countries, saying a decision would be made when the premier returns from a visit to Uzbekistan.News Digest: India this WeekMissed out on the major national news this week? Don't worry. Rediff.com brings you a round-up of major stories this week.REWIND: The best PHOTOS in the week gone byWe bring you a presentation of some of the best photos from around the world in the last week.Must see: New Ra.One trailer, Mallika turns JalebiMust see: New Ra.One trailer, Mallika turns Jalebi BaiNuclear safety: India's area of darkness?Understanding the nuclear risk is the first step towards making India safe from the possible catastrophic impact of a natural disaster on its nuclear facilities. And public understanding depends on access to the information on that risk, says Mihir R BhattOpposition topples Harper's government in CanadaCanadian government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper was on Friday defeated in a historic vote in Parliament, setting the stage for country's fourth election in seven years.

March 25, 2011

When Yemen's million marchers dared its presidentYemen appeared to be nearing a brink as protesters staged a 'million people march' onto the capital Sanaa after Friday prayers, amid reports that a shaky President Ali Abdullah Saleh was engaged in serious negotiations to time an exit.PIX: Damaged reactor at nuke plant worries JapanConcerns over more serious contamination mounted in Japan on Friday after authorities warned that the core of one of the six reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant may have been damaged, a day after three workers were exposed to high radiation while trying to stabilise the crippled unit.PIX: Bohra spiritual head celebrates 100th b'dayDawoodi Bohra community members in Mumbai celebrated the birthday of their spiritual leader Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who turned 100 on Friday.Dr Singh invites Pak PM, President to WC semisLaunching cricket diplomacy to give a fresh impetus to bilateral ties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday invited President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to watch the India-Pakistan cricket encounter in Mohali on March 30 when he will also be present.In PHOTOS: The other half that sees God in GaddafiThat a man who boasts he lives in a tent and whom Ronald Reagan once dubbed 'the mad dog of the middle east' still commands devotion four decades into his rule is one of the enduring mysteries of this idiosyncratic country, US media reports from the Libyan capital said.Chidambaram's turn to face Wiki tune in ParliamentHome Minister P Chidambaram on Friday came under attack in Parliament for reportedly saying that India would have made more progress if it had only Southern and Western parts, with some members demanding his removal for utterances "against national unity".The men who fund terror strikes in IndiaWith the patronage of the ISI, Dawood Ibrahim and his aides continue to run a major fake currency racket that funds terror activities in India, says BJP rebels plot Yeddyurappa's fall in New DelhiThis appears to be a serious problem for Yeddyurappa, as he faces the biggest dissent from within his party ever since he came to power.Libya: 'India once again showed its old weakness'In interviews with rediff.com, experts argued that in many ways it was a sense of deja vu all over again vis-a-vis India's voting patterns in the United Nations on major issues and its anachronistic non-aligned bent where New Delhi retreats to assume 'weak and safe positions' particularly where its leadership as a democratic and emerging power is required.'90% of India's buildings vulnerable to quakes'Can Indian buildings be withstand a massive earthquake similar to the one that shook up Japan two weeks ago? Rediff.com's Sahim Salim finds out if our buildings are strong enough to survive such a disaster.PIX: The men who are saving Japan from nuke mayhemMeet the group of engineers, scientists and volunteers who are working inside the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan to contain the nuclear crisisIn PHOTOS: Gaddaffiti in BenghaziAnti-Gaddafi caricatures and graffiti have sprung up across cities such as Benghazi, most of them portraying him in an unflattering light. Let's take a look at some of them.Religion set for extinction in the West: StudyA study using a mathematical model has shown that religion is set to become extinct in nine Western-style democracies, as there is a steady rise in those claiming no religious affiliation. A team of researchers took census data stretching back as far as a century from countries in which the census queried religious affiliation: Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland.Bahrain protests: Too many leaders, no leadershipThe failure of the protests in Bahrain should teach a few lessons to future movements for democracy in Arab nations, claims David Moon.Strong 6.8 magnitude quake jolts MyanmarTwo people were killed when a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Myanmar on Thursday night, shaking buildings as far away as Bangkok and Hanoi.

March 24, 2011

Dr Singh's statement didn't bother me: AdvaniVeteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani on Thursday claimed that he had no hard feelings towards Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had targeted the National Democratic Alliance chairman while speaking on the cash-for-votes scam in Parliament on Wednesday.Grand festivities mark Bihar Diwas reports on the much-awaited Bihar Divas celebrations that were inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the historic Gandhi maidan on Tuesday in the presence of hundreds of people.WC final may see fidayeen or chemical attack: IBEven as the nation gears up for the cricket world cup final on April 2, intercepts continue to trickle in regarding the terror threat to the event.Religion is big business in India, says CambridgeReligious organisations in India not only operate as business entities, but their 'business model' has seen diversification of activities to retain the loyalty of their followers and attract new devotees, according to a study conducted at the University of Cambridge.Jats ignore SC order, disrupt train servicesThe Supreme Court on Thursday directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ensure supply of water and essential commodities to Delhi in the wake of the threats by Jats demanding quota in central jobs.Does the PM pass the buck, as Opposition says?Is 'passing the buck' PM's most trusted defence mechanism? Rediff.com takes a look at a few occasions were the PM apparently attempted to blame 'others' in the face of a crisis.Cash for vote: Why blindly trash WikiLeaks, Mr PM?When governments around the world are taking serious note of the WikiLeaks diplomatic cables, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's dismissal of the same as speculative, unverified and unverifiable does very little to restore the tarnished dignity of the Indian Parliament, writes B RamanIn PHOTOS: Allies target Gaddafi's ground forcesThe United States and its allied forces on Thursday shifted focus on hitting Libyan ground forces, targeting tanks and artillery to obliterate Muammar Gaddafi's war waging machine, as French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe warned that the campaign may go on for weeks.Karuna kicks off campaign with 'lackluster' showTamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday launched the first election campaign at his birth place Thiruvaroor in Tamil Nadu, which many believed was a lackluster show.

March 23, 2011

Under siege Yemen president declares emergencyA showdown between the embattled United States-backed president and the opposition, escalated in Yemen on Wednesday as the country's parliament dominated by supporters of Ali Abdullah Saleh approved a sweeping state of emergency giving him new powers to quash a popular uprising. Wait for 3 years to be PM: Dr Singh to AdvaniThis is how Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hit back at the Opposition on Wednesday, saying that his government was not involved in any money transactions.Swamy goes after Chidambaram over 2G scamJanata Party president Subramanian Swamy has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking his permission to prosecute Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum scam, along with former telecom minister A Raja.Watch what you eat, drink: Japan to citizensRadioactive iodine -- exceeding the limit considered safe for infants -- has been detected in Tokyo's tap water amid mounting concerns over food safety in tsunami-hit Japan, which is struggling to contain an atomic crisis at its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.'Politicians need not be corrupt at all'Alphons Kannanthanam, the former IAS officer who refused to bend before political and muscle power, reveals why he wants to enter national politics.TMC has no chance of winning: BuddhadebThe Trinamool Congress has no chance of winning the forthcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, said Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee at a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday.IMAGES: Gaddafi's forces wage war against rebelsUndaunted by missile and air-strikes on his military, Muammar Gaddafi's forces are pressing ahead with their assault on rebel-held towns of Misruta, Ajdabiya and Zintan in Libya.Why Pak will NEVER hand over Dawood to IndiaDawood's arrest will not only put an end to his terror operations in Pakistan but also reveal the name of those bigwigs in India who have assisted him in his nefarious activities, says WikiLeaks debate: 'PM's habit to blame others'A united Opposition on Wednesday mounted an attack on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh over the cash-for-votes scam, wondering as to how he could wash his hands of the matter as he had headed the government in 2008 and was the "biggest beneficiary" of the trust vote.Gaddafi appears on TV, vows to beat the WestMaking his first public appearance since the launch of coalition air strikes on his forces, a defiant Muammar Gaddafi pledged victory and said he was ready to die as a "martyr" in Libya. "In the short term, we'll beat them, in the long term, we'll beat them," thundered Gaddafi, who slammed the West, calling the attack an "unjust aggression".Pakistan takes up Islamophobia with UNPakistan has taken up the "despicable act" of desecration of the Quran in Florida with the United Nations, and urged it to take urgent steps to promote inter-faith harmony in the wake of increasing acts of Islamophobia.Rahul, the next PM? On what basis?Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has all the potential to become the next prime minister, at least the Congress seems to think so. But senior analyst raises a few doubts over his ability to lead the nationIMAGES: How the world embraces the spring seasonThe most memorable part of the year is here, and the world is rejoicing, and how. Rediff.com presents a bouquet of scintillating images as the world celebrates the arrival of the spring season, in their own beautiful ways.IN PHOTOS: It's an odd world out there!We bring you a collection of some of the odd, crazy moments from around the world in recent weeks.REWIND: Best images in the last 48 hoursWe take a look at the most amazing pictures from across the globe in the last 48 hours.

March 22, 2011

PIX: US fighter jet crashes in war-torn LibyaA United States war plane crash landed in Libya as coalition forces hit several defence targets across Tripoli on Tuesday, but there was no let up by Muammar Gaddafi's military which pounded rebel-held towns of Misurata and Ajdabiya.Once a political tiger, now who cares?When a new party like Vijayakanth's DMDK can make an impact, especially among the youth and in rural areas, why has Vaiko lost out?CVC row: Maharashtra CM claims innocenceMaharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday told the Maharashtra assembly that he, as Union Minister of State for Personnel and Training, was unaware of any negative vigilance report or pending criminal case against P J Thomas before the latter's appointment as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.PICS: No fuel for cremation, Japan buries its deadBattling to avert a widespread disaster, emergency workers at Japan's quake-crippled Fukushima nuclear plant on Tuesday stepped up efforts to cool overheating reactors and restore power, as authorities sought the United States military's help in tackling the 'extremely tough' situation.In PHOTOS: Rockets pummel Libya for third nightLoud explosions and anti-aircraft fire rang across the Libyan capital for the third night in running as coalition bombers and missiles struck targets, including Muammar Gaddafi's Tripoli compound and a big naval base on the outskirts of the city.Congress, Telangana Rashtra Samiti to merge?Interestingly both parties in question are in denial mode, but reliable sources say that the offer to merge was made by the Congress.Libya: 'I was yelling, Keep driving! Don't stop!'Four journalists working for the New York Times in Libya recount the horror of spending six days in the captivity of Muammar al-Gaddafi's security forces.'It is US policy that Gaddafi needs to go'United States President Barack Obama has asserted that it is America's policy that the Libyan leader, Muammar Al Gaddafi must go and his Administration has multiple tolls to ensure that this goal is achieved.Star campaigners head for Assam assembly pollsMajor parties have lined up a long list of star campaigners to woo voters in Assam where assembly polls are scheduled for April 4 and 11. The ruling Congress, bidding for return to power for the third consecutive term, has a long list of prominent persons, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, to campaign for the party.WikiLeaks exposes US change of heart about ModiModi, whose US visa was revoked at the level of the consul general in 2005 over his alleged role in the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat, was sought after by US diplomats owing to his fast rising stature in national politics, a WikiLeaks cable accessed by The Hindu newspaper said.In PHOTOS: Operation Odyssey DawnJust a few days Operation Odyssey Dawn, the collective international action under United Nations authority to protect the Libyan people, has already derailed Gaddafi's bloody assault on rebel-held territories.

March 21, 2011

'State terrorism prevails in Jaitapur'Retired justices B G Kolse Patil and P B Sawant of the Lokshasan Andolan are in no mood to withdraw their agitation until the Jaitapur nuclear power plant is abandoned despite the state government's reign of terror against the locals, reports Prasanna Zore.An Indian's first-hand account of Japan's disasterParmesh, brother of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, spoke to rediff.com's about his personal experience of natural calamities in a telephonic conversation from Tokyo.Japan toll nears 22,000; new trouble in FukushimaWorkers attempting to salvage Japan's tsunami hit Fukushima nuclear reactor had to be evacuated after smoke was seen billowing in a latest in a series of troubles to hit the moves to stabilise the radiation leaking plant.'Serious' terror threat to World Cup finalThe latest terror alert concerning the cricket world cup has been issued by the Union Home Ministry. The threat about an attack planned by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and the Jamaat-e-Ahle-Sunnat is specific to the world cup final, which will be played on April 2.Allied attack destroys Gaddafi's command centreCoalition airstrikes bombed Libya's air defence systems for a second night in which a missile flattened a building housing Muammar Gaddafi's command centre very close to his private residence in Tripoli, even as the United States insisted he is not on the target list.'I won't go after BJP because Cong wants me to'In an interview with rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa, the Karnataka Lokayukta makes it clear that he would not make life miserable for the Bharatiya Janata Party just because the Congress wants him to do it.'Raja is very confident; he says he is clean'The 2G spectrum scam involving DMK leader A Raja will have an impact on the party's prospects in the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election, feels DMK spokesperson T K S Elangovan.REWIND: The best PHOTOS of the week gone byWe bring you a presentation of some of the best photos from around the world in the last week.PHOTO Album: The colours of HoliRevellers, with their clothes dyed in myriad hues, thronged lanes and bylanes dancing to the accompaniment of drums as gusto and bonhomie marked the Holi festival.

March 20, 2011

Tibetans vote to elect new prime minister-in-exileThousands of Tibetans across the world on Saturday voted to elect the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, an exercise that may usher in a transition in the community's leadership following the Dalai Lama's 'flat refusal' to reconsider his decision to retire as its political head. Sarah Palin pitches for closer Indo-US ties Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2008 United States polls, on Saturday pitched for closer India-US ties and leveraging the bilateral relationship to bring prosperity to Pakistan.Will Libya become Obama's Iraq?Oil -- and not human rights or concern for democracy -- is the driving force for the war in Libya as it was in Iraq, says senior analyst B Raman.Coalition forces pound Libya; Gaddafi vows revengeThe United States-led military coalition on Sunday hit Libyan defence targets with cruise missiles and launched air attacks as Muammar Gaddafi vowed to open his arms depots to the people to retaliate against the Western 'aggression.'

March 19, 2011

Aarushi murder: Talwars get SC reprieveDentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, facing charges of murder of their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in 2008, got a reprieve on Saturday as the Supreme Court stayed the proceedings against them in a trial court in connection with the case.Engineers close to restoring power at FukushimaJapanese engineers on Saturday inched closer to connecting power at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima nuclear plants, north of the Japanese capital, so as to restore the damaged cooling system to the dangerously overheated nuclear fuel.'Please stop Mr Geelani, Kashmir has had enough'Kashmiri protestors demonstrated outside a five-star hotel in Delhi where separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was speaking at the India Today Conclave on Saturday.US fighter jets to lead Libyan operationThe rebel-stronghold of Benghazi came under attack on Saturday from ground and air, with explosions rocking the city despite a ceasefire announced by Muammar Gaddafi forces, prompting a warning by the United States that the Libyan leader was violating the truce.IMAGES: Are you ready for the stunning super moon?A full moon of rare size and enormous beauty will rise in the east at sunset on Saturday -- the biggest in almost 20 years. If it's not cloudy, sky-gazers will be able to glimpse the 'super moon' on Saturday.Wiki reveals how BJP scored 'political points'The Bharatiya Janata Party was left red-faced on Saturday when a leaked United States diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks stated that the party leadership had told them that its criticism of the US in public was to score "easy political points" against United Progressive Alliance.'India can tackle disasters better than Japan'In the aftermath of Japan's earthquake as nations review their disaster management plans, our National Disaster Management Authority says India has little to worry about. Post the 2004 tsunami, the government has pulled up its socks and can handle a disaster much better than most other nations. Sahim Salim reports.'India can tackle disasters better than Japan'In the aftermath of Japan's earthquake as nations review their disaster management plans, our National Disaster Management Authority says India has little to worry about. Post the 2004 tsunami, the government has pulled up its socks and can handle a disaster much better than most other nations. Sahim Salim reports.Should we laugh or cry, Mr Prime Minister?Is the survival in office under such conditions worth it for Dr Manmohan Singh, asks

March 18, 2011

Guj is absolutely peaceful after 2002, says ModiGujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has received much criticism over the 2002 post- Godhra riots, on Friday said questions over communal peace in his state will remain till he is alive. 'PM lied in Parliament, he must resign'The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday demanded that the unnamed American embassy officials who witnessed the alleged stacking up of cash for bribing in the 2008 trust vote should be asked to identify the 'conspirators' involved in the act of bribery.WB: TC declares 228 candidates; leaves 64 for CongTrinamool Congress on Friday unilaterally announced candidates for 228 constituencies for the assembly elections in West Bengal, leaving 64 seats to Congress and remaining two to ally Socialist Unity Centre of India.Didn't back UPA in trust vote at Rahul's bid: OmarJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said he had extended support to the United Progressive Alliance government during the July 2008 trust vote on his own and not at the bidding of Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi but felt the allegations of bribes to MPs at that time could be probed.Help fight nuclear crisis, Japan tells AmericaBraving the risk of radiation exposure, emergency workers at the quake-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant on Friday battled to cool the overheating reactors, as Japan sought United States's help to contain the atomic crisis described by the International Atomic Energy Agency as "extremely serious".Furious Pakistan slams deadly US drone strikesPakistan on Friday demanded an 'apology and explanation' from the United States for drone strikes in its tribal belt that Pakistani officials said killed 41 people, including members of a tribal jirga and personnel from a government militia force.Is Madhya Pradesh losing its green glory?Madhya Pradesh boasts of the largest green cover in the country with 95,411 sq km forestland. But with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking permit from the Centre for its takeover by private companies, its future looks barren. Shehla Masood reports.WikiLeaks charges unverified, speculative, says PMStrongly rejecting allegations of bribery during the 2008 trust vote, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said nobody from the Congress or the government engaged in any 'unlawful act' and the charges were 'unverified and speculative.'Why Interpol won't help India catch terroristsPolice and intelligence agencies are playing the blame game over the rejection of requests for Interpol red corner notices against India's most wanted terrorists, says 'India's fast-track nuclear plans are suicidal''Take the Jaitapur nuclear plant. There is so much opposition to it. Even if you make the reactor safe, if you forcibly put it up by taking their land, you are playing with fire. There will be disgruntled people opposing it and they could create problems anytime,' warns nuclear scientist Dr A N Prasad.Assam: Can Cong defy anti-incumbency, ULFA threat?The ruling Congress in Assam appears to have an edge over the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the coming election in Assam but is confronted by the anti-incumbency factor, corruption charges and threat from the anti-talk United Liberation Front of Asom faction.Explained: Why Japan's quake/tsunami was deadlyScientist J R Kayal explains the why the monster quake that hit Japan caused such havoc and why it gave rise to a tsunami that compounded the misery.I didn't authorise anybody to purchase votes: PMPrime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday broke his silence over the United States diplomatic cables accusing the United Progressive Alliance led by him of purchasing the votes of Members of Parliament before the trust vote over the Indo-US nuclear agreement in 2008.Why the leaked cables have low evidential valueSenior analyst B Raman explains why he feels that the leaked WikiLeaks cable throwing allegations of bribery on the ruling Congress to seal the 2008 trust vote in its favour may have high political embarrassment value, but low evidential value.'Suppliers can't erase impact of a nuke disaster'In the wake of the nuclear emergency crippling Japan, India needs to reevaluate the ability of its nuclear power plants to withstand disasters and policies to handle their aftermath, experts tell rediff.com's REWIND: Japan's 7 days of fear, pain and miseryAt 2:47 pm local time on March 11, earth under Japan shook. Measured 8.9 on the Richter scale, the mega-quake left Japan's northeast unleashed a chain reaction, which the country had last experienced during the Second World War. We take you through, in brief, Japan next seven days of fear, pain and misery.Why India is desperate to get Sajid MirSajid Mir was the voice on the phone goading the terrorists to kill during the 26/11 attacks. Pakistan have been evasive about giving information about him. Now they say that the only Sajid Mir operating out of the country is a cleric. put together the pieces.IMAGES: Furore in Pak over Raymond Davis' releaseProtests were organised across Pakistan on Thursday against the release of Central Intelligence Agency contractor Raymond Davis, who was arrested for shooting and killing two men in January, even as the United States will close its embassy and consulates on Friday in the country in view of planned countrywide strike.

March 17, 2011

In PHOTOS: Operation Cool in FukushimaJapan on Thursday made desperate efforts to douse overheating spent fuel rods at its quake-crippled reactors in the Fukushima plant, dumping tonnes of water using helicopters and water cannon trucks amid growing concerns of a nuclear disaster.Man behind the cash-for-votes sting op speaks!Sudheendra Kulkarni tells rediff.com's that he feels vindicated after a Wikileaks expose on the alleged 'buying' of MPs during the 2008 confidence vote of the United Progressive Alliance.Man behind the cash-for-votes sting op speaks!Sudheendra Kulkarni tells rediff.com's that he feels vindicated after a Wikileaks expose on the alleged 'buying' of MPs during the 2008 confidence vote of the United Progressive Alliance.WikiLeaks effect: The PM should quit, says AdvaniArmed with the Wikileaks expose about 2008 trust vote, the Opposition ON Thursday closed ranks in demanding the immediate resignation of the government, contending that it has lost moral right to continue as the country's democracy has been "maligned".Why Congress fears the latest Wikileaks revelationThe latest Wikileaks revelations will make many believe that the UPA government mustered a majority in Parliament in July 2008 in an unscrupulous manner and the Americans were prime witness to that crime, says .Analysis: Why Jayalalitha chose Srirangam analyses why Srirangam, with its large chunk of Vaishnavite Brahmin population, makes perfect sense for All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief J Jayalalitha decision to contest an election from there.PIX: Snow -- Just what Japan didn't want nowJapan may be wondering today as to what more could possibly hit them? Inside a week, the country has witnessed a deadly quake, an even deadlier tsunami that swept away towns after towns and then a volcanic eruption.'What do politicians know about nuke safeguards?'In the wake of the nuclear emergency in Japan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should have ensured a 'check-up' of safeguards at nuclear power plants before declaring 'Everything is fine' at those sites, Dr A N Prasad, former director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, tells rediff.com's Sheela BhattThe story behind Raymond Davis's releaseRaymond Davis's release followed secret talks between the ISI and CIA held under the aegis of the Saudi intelligence, says B RamanNuclear meltdown: It CAN happen in IndiaAs Japan's earthquake and tsunami triggers the global nuclear industry's worst crisis, it is time for India to rethink it ambitious nuclear power programme, says Praful BidwaiExplained: Fukushima crisis and lessons for IndiaThe reactors that exploded at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami are similar to those at Maharashtra's Tarapur atomic power plant. But does India need to worry?IMAGES: The Nehru-Gandhi parivar wedding albumA look at the wedding album of India's First Family

March 16, 2011

In PHOTOS: Bahrain forces crush protest campBacked by tanks and helicopter gunships, army and riot police on Wednesday cracked down on anti-government protesters driving them out from a landmark square in the heart of Manama leaving at least six people dead, witnesses and officials said.In PHOTOS: Japan's nuclear nightmare worsensJapan's nuclear nightmare worsened on Wednesday with radiation levels surging at a quake-crippled reactor at Fukushima plant, forcing authorities to briefly pull out emergency workers even as another fire erupted slowing desperate efforts to avert a meltdown.Batcha could have led CBI to 2G money trail analyses how the death of Sajid Batcha could impact the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the 2G Spectrum scamJust who was Sadiq Batcha?Rediff.com traces the life of Sadiq Batcha, a key aide of former telecom minister Andimuthu Raja who committed suicide on WednesdayChina needs to learn from India's democracy: DalaiTibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said that China needs to learn from India about democracy which brings in harmony among people of different languages and ethnic backgrounds.Was Batcha 'removed' to save 2G culprits?Sadiq Batcha, a key aide of former telecom minister A Raja, is said to have committed suicide at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday.Japan evacuates workers from Fukushima N-plantWorkers battling to prevent a nuclear meltdown at Japan's quake-hit Fukushima nuclear power plant have been temporarily evacuated following fears that the containment vessel around reactor no 3 may have been damaged. Television images showed white smoke, now thought to be steam from the reactor, drifting from the nuclear plant.Chargesheets against Raja, 2 telcos by March 31Chargesheets will be filed against former telecom minister A Raja and two companies by March 31 for their alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum allocation case, the Central Bureau of Investigation told the Supreme Court on Wednesday, which asked the agency to appoint a suitable senior advocate as special public prosecutor in the trial.

March 15, 2011

Message from ULFA is clear. Don't underestimate itParesh Baruah's shadow continues to loom large in Assam's political landscape.Exclusive! Obama's top-secret letter to Dr SinghHard-selling American military technology to India, United States President Barack Obama has assured Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a top-secret letter signed by him that the 'US is a willing, capable and reliable defence partner to India'.Gas shortage hits Mumbai; Taxis, autos off roadsCommuters in Mumbai are having a hard time on Tuesday as the supply of Compressed Natural Gas in the city was hit after a service pipeline was badly damaged.CAUTION! How cyber mafia exploits Japan disasterJapan has witnessed its worst tragedy till date. As the world sets out to help the massive quake and subsequent tsunami-ravaged victims and their families, there are already some frauds online who are trying to make the best of the situation.PIX: How Navy intercepted ship to nab 61 piratesOn the night of March 12, at about 2100 hrs, INS Kalpeni intercepted a pirate mother vessel called Vega 5 in the Arabian sea about 600 nautical miles west of India. 13 crew members were rescued and 61 pirates were been nabbed in the operation, an Indian Navy media release stated.Meet India's first couple at the United NationsUnited Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon recently announced the appointment of Lakshmi Puri as the Assistant Secretary-General for Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships at the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women.Warning! 20% more men than women in India by 2030A new study has warned that in the next two decades, large parts of India will have an excess of young men by up to 20 percent because of sex selection.IMAGES: The breathtaking colours of Himalayas meets a couple of mountaineering enthusiasts who seek the thrill of a grand Himalayan adventure, every year!IMAGES: World prays as Japan fights a catastropheNature's fury has battered Japan yet again, after a powerful earthquake triggered a humongous tsunami, which may have killed 10,000 people, thousands others missing and injured.Why Raymond Davis got on the wrong side of ISIAmerican official Raymond Davis, arrested for killing two Pakistanis in Lahore, may have headed a covert Central Intelligence Agency team that was tasked to secretly gather intelligence on the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Tayiba, which the United States feels is getting out of the shadows of the Pakistan army to launch a campaign of jihad against it and Europe.Japan's N-crisis assuming Chernobyl proportions?Another explosion rocked the Fukushima nuclear power plant in northern Japan on Tuesday, as the country continued to face the threat of a nuclear meltdown.In PHOTOS: The town that was washed awayAmidst the devastation lie stories that remain untold. One such story is that of the 19000 residents of the town of Otsuchi. Today, there is no sign of hope, no structures standing in the north-eastern port town.President cancels appointment of Thomas as CVCPresident Pratibha Patil cancelled the appointment of P J Thomas on Monday as Central Vigilance Commissioner, 11 days after the Supreme Court quashed his selection by a high-power committee headed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.Could this be the next banana?According to the American and Spanish scientists, who detailed their work in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the gene discovery may pave the way for producing seedless varieties of cherimoya, sugar apple and perhaps other fruit crops.

March 14, 2011

ISI planning attacks in India to avoid LeT split?For three years now, Lashkar cadres have been pressurising their higher ups in Pakistani intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence to battle American troops, but they have always been pulled back. The reason? The ISI does not want the only outfit that it has complete control over to go out of hand.'Narendra Modi can be a good Army commander'Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has all the qualities of a successful Army commander as he sets deadlines and ensures targets are achieved on time, said General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General I S Singha of the Golden Katar Division in Ahmedabad on Monday.India: The largest arms importer in the worldIndia has emerged as the world's largest arms importer, overtaking China which shared the second spot with South Korea followed by Pakistan, according to a report by Swedish think-tank, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.IMAGES: Japan comes to terms with tragedyRediff.com brings you some unforgettable images from the devastated regions of JapanDalai Lama resigns as Tibet's political chiefTurning down requests by his followers to continue, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Monday formally conveyed to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile his decision to devolve 'political authority' to pave the way for putting in place a new democratic system to pursue the cause of Tibet.PIX: Bodies wash up on shores, N-threat escalatesJapan battled hard on Monday to contain a looming nuclear crisis as it faced threats of multiple meltdowns at three reactors damaged by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.Booming economy not helping hungry kids: StudyIndia's impressive economic growth has not led to a reduction in under-nutrition among its children, according to a Harvard study that said the government should use its growing revenues for direct investments in aid like food stamps to address the problem.CWG committee paid 14 times more for equipment!Officials of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee had hired equipment for overlay works at over 14 times the actual price, an investigation by the central vigilance commission has revealed.Tibet after the Dalai LamaSenior analyst B Raman explores the route Tibet and China will have to take in case the Dalai Lama is no longer there.

March 13, 2011

Babri demolition dented BJP's credibility: AdvaniSenior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani on Sunday said that he felt the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992 had 'badly dented' the credibility of his party.How secure are OUR nuclear power plants?We can no longer be complacent in the belief that everything that needs to be done to assure nuclear safety has been done and there is nothing to worry about, says B RamanAfter tsunami and quake, volcano erupts in JapanJapan's second nuclear reactor in the quake-stricken north experienced serious troubles on Sunday after its emergency cooling system failed, triggering a fresh radiation threat, a day after a blast rocked the site following a massive quake and tsunami in which thousands of people are feared dead.

March 12, 2011

Sacked CVC Thomas to file review petition in SCFormer central vigilance commissioner P J Thomas has decided to move the Supreme Court seeking review by a Constitution bench of its March 3 judgment quashing his appointment, claiming that judiciary has no right to decide his eligibility for the post without prior reference from the President.Reactor explodes, Japan issues nuclear alertJapan on Saturday scrambled hard to prevent meltdowns at its nuclear power plants, declaring a state of emergency at five atomic reactors and evacuating thousands of residents, as it launched a mammoth relief operation in its northeast devastated by a massive earthquake that likely left over 1,000 people dead.In PHOTOS: Bruised Japan staggers to its feetMore than 1,000 people were feared dead in the massive tsunami triggered by Japan's most powerful earthquake which wrought devastation in northeast coastal Japan forcing the government to declare emergency at two nuclear plants after their cooling systems failed.Jagan Reddy to launch YSR Congress todayRebel Congress leader and former Member of Parliament from Kadapa, Y S Jaganmohan Reddy will formally launch his much awaited regional political party at his family estate Idupulapaya on Saturday. Must see: Vidya in a bikini ; India's bowling concMust see: Vidya in a bikini ; India's bowling concerns

March 11, 2011

PIX: JKLF chief Yasin Malik detained in SrinagarPro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik was detained on Friday evening along with other activists while they were carrying out a torchlight procession to protest against 'the killings and arrests in Kashmir.'2G scam: CBI grills Kanimozhi, stepmotherWidening its probe into the 2G scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday questioned Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam chief M Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and his wife Dayalu Ammal on alleged transfer of money from Mumbai-based Cineyug to Kalaignar TV, in which both jointly own 80 per cent stake.PIX: Catastrophic tsunami wrecks havoc in JapanA massive tsunami triggered by Japan's most powerful earthquake in nearly a century on Friday wrought devastation in northeast coastal Japan, sweeping away houses, ships and cars and setting ablaze several buildings, killing over 360 people.In PHOTOS: The world in the last 24 hoursPresenting some of the best moments from around the globe in the last 24 hours.IMAGES: Durga temple faces destruction in PakistanA historical temple of Durga Mata in Pakistan's Sindh district may be destroyed within a month, thanks to the apathy of authorities, warns Tahir AliIn PHOTOS: Dhruv excels in brutal SiachenIt was a brutal test of helicopter and pilot. As the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter shuddered towards the icy helipad on a 21,000-foot ledge overlooking the Siachen Glacier, the pilots could see wreckage from earlier helicopter crashes dotting the base of the vertical ice walls on either side.PHOTOS: When Telangana fury singed HyderabadPro-Telangana protestors' 'Million March' literally paralysed Hyderabad on Thursday. From desecrating statues of Andhra leaders to clashing with the security personnel, the pro-Telangana protestors went on a rampage to press for their demand for a separate state.Why Cong isn't afraid of Mamata's tantrums in WBTriumphant over the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in making it swallow threat to quit the United Progressive Alliance government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has asked the party managers to strike a similar hard bargain with Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress for alliance in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.Seat-sharing drama to cover up 2G probe: CPI-MSlamming Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Congress as 'partners in corruption,' Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Prakash Karat on Thursday alleged that the real agenda behind the 'seat sharing drama' between the two parties was to cover up the probe into 2G spectrum allocation scam and prevent it from extending to the family of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.The truth about US drone strikes in PakistanThe Pakistan army has admitted that most of those killed in United States's drone strikes in north-west Pakistan were "hardcore Al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists", notwithstanding the government's public posture that such attacks were causing civilian deaths.

March 10, 2011

Desecration of statues in AP sparks controversyDestruction of 16 statues of prominent leaders of coastal Andhra on Tank Bund in Hyderabad during Thursday's Telangana 'Million March' has turned in to a raging controversy with all the prominent political leaders joining hands to strongly condemn the incident.IMAGES: Top JeM commander gunned down in SrinagarIn a major success, security forces gunned down Sajad Afghani, the chief commander of the frontline Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, along with his guard on the shores of the Dal Lake in Srinagar on Thursday afternoon.Telangana's 'Million March' gets huge responseEven after turning entire Telangana region into an open jail, detaining more than a lakh people amd the police virtually laying siege to Hyderabad, the Andhra government could not stop the inevitable. Though a million people could not converge, at the end of day the Million March in support of Telangana state proved to be a big success.Delhi: Radhika's killer stalked her 3 years agoTwo days after 20-year-old Radhika Tanwar was shot dead outside her college in Delhi, the police are trying to ascertain the identity of the killer, reports Sahim SalimOne fourth of MLAs have criminal recordsWith assembly polls to four key states and one Union Terrority at hand, finds that one in four elected representatives has a criminal record.Dalai Lama won't head Tibetan govt anymoreThe Dalai Lama, who had escaped to India as a young man, has been the torch bearer of the struggle for freedom of a small religious minority from the oppressive communist regime in China. He was just 15 years old when he became the 'head of state' of Tibet in 1950 and over six decades since then, he has brought his cause for rights of his people on the global stage.Radhika murder: Passers-by watched like spectatorsRediff.com's tracks the Radhika Tanwar muder case that has shocked the student community in New Delhi. The manner in which the Delhi University student was shot dead in broad daylight by a stalker rips apart claims by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit that the national capital is now safer for women.Pak: Poor tribes at the mercy of ruthless TalibanThe impoverished tribesmen in Pakistan's lawless areas have borne the brunt of the government's attempts to combat militancy, says 'Tibetans need a freely-elected leader'Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Thursday announced his decision to retire from active politics, saying the time had come to be succeeded by a "freely elected" leader.20-year-old police chief escapes to the USMarisol Valles, 20, who was studying criminology, was appointed as chief of police of the northern Mexican border town of Praxedis Guadalupe Guerrero, in Chihuahua State. Today, she is seeking asylum in the United States to escape death threats.In PHOTOS: Inside Libya, the war zoneWith Internet connections blocked and telephone lines cut, the news of how those wanting to see Gaddafi's exit from the country are waging their battle, has been hard to come by.'Million March' leaves Hyderabad paralysedWith the supporters of separate Telangana state hell bent upon their Million March program on Thursday, Hyderabad city has been effectively cut off from the other parts of Telangana as the police have sealed all the entry and exit points and was on the spree of rounding up thousands of people to foil their protest programme.

March 09, 2011

Are pirates helping terrorists target India?The National Investigation Agency is probing the sinister link between terrorists and pirates, reports Vicky Nanjappa'I learnt diplomacy in India': Ban Ki-moonSpeaking at a function in the United Nations headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that he had learnt 'diplomacy' in India, which was his first posting nearly four decades agoIMAGES: Discovery shuttle's final journey to EarthAfter a 13-day long successful mission that enabled it to deliver the final US components of the International Space Station, the space shuttle Discovery was due to touch down at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for the final time on Wednesday.Pakistan: Punjabi Taliban rears its ugly headChief Minster Punjab Shahbaz Sharif is continuously denying the influence of militants in his province but it is fact that Punjab is home to a mix of sectarian and other form of militants.Politicians beware! You are on cameraThe Election Commission has decided to set up call centres across in the five poll-bound states -- Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry -- which will operate round the clock. These centres will receive complaints about the violation of the model code of conduct by the various candidates and their supporters.Libya: Gaddafi's forces take over rebel-held cityLibya's armed forces are targeting unarmed civilians to take control of the rebel-held city of Zawiyah, media reports said on Wednesday.Rewind: Best images in the last 48 hoursPresenting some of the most scintillating pictures from around the globe in the last 48 hours.Why India fears China militarily 'encircling' itChina has set its sights on joining the ranks of the world's leading defence-industrial powers, amid growing concerns in India over Beijing's recent assertiveness and its change in policy towards New Delhi's row with Pakistan over Kashmir, a top British think tank said on Tuesday.Davis case: Will angry America cut aid to Pak?Experts have warned that the Raymond Davis case could affect the flow of billions of dollars of economic and military aid to Pakistan and complicate the United States-led war on terror in Afghanistan'India cannot shine if 170 mn Muslims remain poor'Aijaz Ilmi is chairman of the Executive Board of Siyasat Jadid, a popular Urdu newspaper brought out from Kanpur and Lucknow. He is a senior political analyst with the television channel News X, and writes on Muslim, national and international issues in various newspapers. In this interview with , he reflects on the present Indian Muslim leadership.

March 08, 2011

Fight over; DMK gives in to Congress's demandsThe deadlock over seat sharing between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Congress for the Tamil Nadu polls came to an end on Tuesday.Was unaware of corruption case against Thomas: PMPrime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday virtually blamed former Minister of State (personnel) Prithviraj Chavan for the fiasco involving appointment of P J Thomas as central vigilance commissioner, saying the note forwarded by him for the selection committee did not have information about corruption case against Thomas.'We have to go back to Libya'Scenes of human misery and horror in strife-torn Libya have come to light as a band of migrant plumbers from this coastal district of Orissa returned to their village to recount their harrowing ordeal. Kendrapara, known for its human resources, has seen its skilled population, including plumbers, migrating to the Middle-East over the years to eke out a better living.Delhi Univ student shot dead outside her collegeA second-year degree student was shot dead by an unidentified person near her college in south Delhi in broad daylight on Tuesday with police suspecting that a stalker was behind the incident.Women in politics: India way behind Pak, ranks 98!As the country celebrates International Women's Day on Tuesday, statistics reveal that India lags behind many countries, including its neighbours Pakistan and Nepal, when it comes to women's participation in politics.Watch: 10 years after 9/11, a new VIDEOA newly released video shot from a helicopter shows the World Trade Centre towers after they were struck by Al Qaeda terrorists on September 11, 2001.'Make peace with Pak army, not politicians'Peace talks with Pakistan will resume yet again later this month as Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao meets with her counterpart Salman Bashir. The result is predictable -- the dialogue will go nowhere. India instead should renew its military-to-military ties for a positive outcome with its neighbour, believes noted defence analyst Ajai Shukla.This team will probe India's biggest scamThe government has announced the formation of a joint parliamentary committee to probe the Rs 176,000 crore 2G scam. The JPC will comprise 20 members from Lok Sabha and ten members from Rajya Sabha.Guru convicted for molestation in US goes missingIn a statement, Hays County Sheriff's office said it was on the lookout for Prakashanand Saraswati, known to his devotees as Shree Swamiji and is head of the 200-acre Hindu ashram in Texas, after the arrest warrant was issued against him.In PHOTOS: Sizzling carnival party in RioBrazil's most famous party, the annual Carnival of Brazil take off on March 4. This year the festivities will continue till Tuesday.Why Cong's ties with DMK still remain entangledThe ice may have broken between the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after a standoff in the last two days, but the issues on which the allies were quarrelling still remain.Cong's Bengal mantra: 'Honourable' tie-up with TCUndeterred by the controversy surrounding its seat sharing talks with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, the Congress has begun moves for an 'honourable alliance' with the Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal.

March 07, 2011

Dalai Lama, a wolf in monk's robes: ChinaAhead of the third anniversary of the riots in Tibet, China on Monday stepped up its attack against the Dalai Lama, vilifying him as a "wolf in monk's robes", "double-dealer" and a "secessionist chief" who is seeking separation of the region from the Communist nation.Worrying case of Kerala's terror-politics cocktailIs the political class in Kerala being used as a springboard by extremist elements aiming to establish base in the state? The Nadapuram blast shockingly points out this trend, writes rediff.com's CVC issue: PM takes the blame; Oppn is unsatisfiedPrime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday termed as 'error of judgement' the appointment of P J Thomas as Chief Vigilance Commissioner and told the Lok Sabha that he accepted 'full responsibility' for it.'Government in Tamil Nadu is a family business''I don't think Karunanidhi's problem was power sharing. The CBI was closing in on the family. It was reported that the CBI was about to grill Kanimozhi," says political analayst Cho Ramaswamy.SC says no to mercy killing for Aruna ShanbaugThe Supreme Court on Monday rejected the petition seeking euthanasia for Aruna Shanbaug who has been lying in a vegetative state for over three-and-a-half decades at the KEM hospital in Mumbai.Decoded: Congress games in Tamil Nadu analyses the gameplan behind the Congress's decision to play hardball in Tamil Nadu, to the extent that it doesn't care if the DMK walks out of the UPA government at the Centre.India may become hub of global drug tradeIndia has become a hub of drugs and is an attractive trans-shipment area for heroin bound for Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and North America despite constant efforts by governments at all levels to combat this sort of crime, a United States report has said.'We will not accept anything that hurts our pride'The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-Congress alliance appeared headed for a break with six Union Ministers of the regional party set to resign on Monday even as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to reconsider his decision to pull out of the United Progressive Alliance government.

'It took India 7 days to start Libyan evacuation'A 1,000 more Indians returned from Libya in the wee hours of Friday. Some of them were happy to be safe; the others disappointed at the Indian government's slow response in rescuing its people. N Ganesh spoke to them soon after they landed at Mumbai airport as they recalled their tales of horror.Our party won't disappear from WB, Kerala: KaratCPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat spoke briefly to rediff.com's on the party's prospects in the coming assembly elections in Kerala and West Bengal.Video: Fire rages in Bandra East slumA smouldering fire engulfed the slum enclave of Behrampada in Bandra East abutting the Bandra railway station in suburban Mumbai.I accept my responsibility: PM on CVC issue"I respect the judgment of the Supreme Court and I accept my responsibility," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh responded on Friday, a day after the apex court struck down the controversial appointment of P J Thomas as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.Power + politics + manipulation = Arjun SinghA master manipulator of power politics, Arjun Singh was a one-time Congress bigwig who was known to set his eyes on the highest political throne but saw his political fortunes dwindle in the last decade and a half.Pak PM attends Bhatti's funeral servicePakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani paid homage to slain Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti at a memorial service at a church attended by scores of people, as Christians protested for the second straight day against his killing and demanded arrest of his assassins.CWC reshuffle: Wasnik, Azad, Soni retain postsThe much-awaited reshuffle of the Congress hierarchy, which took place today, saw the exit of veteran Arjun Singh and six others from the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and two general secretaries Mohsina Kidwai and V Narayanasamy, who was recently made Minister of State in PMO.Relief for Quattrocchi as Bofors case is closedA Delhi court on Friday accepted the Central Bureau of Investigation plea to shut the Bofors payoff case against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi. The verdict of the court comes as a relief for Quattrocchi, as the CBI will now withdraw its case against him.We will discuss Kashmir with Pakistan: PMMaintaining that India will enter talks with Pakistan with an open mind, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the country wants to resolve all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue and purposeful negotiations.Operation 'Safe Homecoming' plays out on TwitterOperation 'Safe Homecoming', launched by the Indian Government to bring home thousands of Indian nationals stranded in conflict-torn Libya, is a success story. The Twitter accounts of the Indian Foreign Secretary (Nirupama Rao) and the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs are abuzz with details of the evacuation process.How fake money fuels the terror network in IndiaIndia faces an increasing inflow of counterfeit currency, produced primarily in Pakistan, and terrorist and criminal networks use this money to finance their activities in the country, an official United States report has said.Sonia should be quizzed about 2G scam, CVC rowThe assumption that Sonia Gandhi can do no wrong has to be challenged by the public, the media and the political class, says Babri case: SC notice to Thackeray, AdvaniThe Supreme Court has served a notice to senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and 21 others citing a conspiracy to raze the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.PIX: A night spent with Mumbai's homelessWe see them everyday, and almost never spare a second glance. The men, women and children who eat, sleep and wake up on our pavements, under our bridges and on deserted platforms of our railway stations.PIX: Angelina Jolie meets refugees in AfghanistanActress Angelina Jolie made a surprise visit to Afghanistan this week to meet refugees in the war-torn country.Why we need to worry about India's teenagersHome to 20 per cent of the world's adolescent population, India has one of the worst track records in their health and education parameters, according to a new report by the United Nations Children's FundTRIVIA: Shuttle Discovery's facts and featsAlthough all five vehicles that have comprised NASA's space shuttle fleet are unmatched in achievements, space shuttle Discovery is unique among the extraordinary.The nasty twist in the DMK-Congress tale presents a candid look at the current state of the Congress-DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu.On Now: Biggest bash on Indian culture in USAs part of a mega-celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's inauguration, the Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC is mounting a Maximum India festival, featuring the dance, music, cinema, literature, theatre and cuisine from March 1 to 20.Sonia, PM and the UPA govt have hit a new low analyses the implications of the Supreme Court's landmark verdict on Thursday, trashing the appointment of PJ Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner

March 03, 2011

Congress survey: Win in WB, Kerala; Loss in TNIt is a mixed bag for the Congress in the upcoming elections to five state assemblies, says a pre-election survey of the 5 assemblies commissioned by the party.This US Congressman is proud of his Indian rootsIn his first interview with a South Asian newspaper after being sworn in, Hansen Hashim Clarke, the newly-minted member of the United States House of Representatives representing Michigan's 13th District, declared that he unabashedly wears his Indian roots on his sleeve.'Corruption, bigger threat to Pak than extremism'Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir throws light on the threat that Pakistan democracy faces due to corruption and poor governance. In a lecture delivered at the London School of Economics, he talks about some of the biggest problem the country faces today -- poverty, illiteracy and Raymond Davis.How can PM's panel appoint a tainted CVC: SCDealing a big blow to the United Progressive Alliance government, the Supreme Court on Thursday quashed the appointment of P J Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner. The apex court held that the recommendation made by the high-powered panel -- headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh -- did not consider the relevant material and therefore its advice "does not exist in law".'None of today's leaders are worth looking at'Homai Vyarawalla, India's first lady photographer, tells Rediff.com's why she chose to walk away from news photography while still at the top.'Will death penalty for hijackers save lives?'A parliamentary standing committee has recommended that death penalty should be slapped on hijackers only if they kill any hostage or security men and not on anybody declared a hijacker.REWIND: The best PHOTOS of FebruaryWe bring you a presentation of some of the best photos from around the world in month gone by.Why India can't allow an Egypt uprising in KashmirIndia would find itself severely compromised if called upon to handle a border war with China and put down a staged Egyptian style uprising in Kashmir simultaneously, says Vivek Gumaste

March 02, 2011

'Pakistan is a State governed by fear'Pakistan is a State governed by the fear of the irrational clergy and even more irrational extremist organisations, says B RamanSC slams Raja over 'objectionable' letter to PMFormer telecom minister A Raja, the prime accused in the 2G scam, was on Wednesday criticised by the Supreme Court for using 'intemperate and objectionable' language in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of spectrum allocation policy.SC slams Raja over 'objectionable' letter to PMFormer telecom minister A Raja, the prime accused in the 2G scam, was on Wednesday criticised by the Supreme Court for using 'intemperate and objectionable' language in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of spectrum allocation policy.Millions of Libyans ready to die for me: GaddafiAddressing his supporters in Tripoli on Wednesday, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi on Wednesday dismissed allegations about his tyrannical rule and claimed that power was in the hands of the people of the nation.Kerala gears up for the big political battleAs Kerala is set to go for assembly polls on April 13, the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front have to race against time as they are yet to finalise the seat-sharing exercise among partners and each component to work out the list of their contestants for before the filing of nominations begin on March 19.Devotees seek Lord Shiva's blessings on his dayThe world is under the spell of Lord Shiva as his day, the MahaShivratri, is being celebrated across the globe by his devotees.All is not well inside the Congress party analyses the tussle within India's ruling Congress party

March 01, 2011

6-phase poll in WB; TN, Kerala Apr 13; Assam Apr 4A six-phased Assembly elections in West Bengal, a two stage poll in Assam and a single day poll in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry were announced by the Election Commission, setting in motion the largest such exercise after 2009 Lok Sabha polls.Father killed Aarushi, mother destroyed proof: CBIThe Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday claimed before the Allahabad high court that they had "sufficient circumstantial evidence' to establish that Aarushi Talwar was killed by none other than her father Rajesh Talwar after he caught her in a compromising position with the domestic help Hemraj, who too was bludgeoned to death later.'Libya is not a revolution, like Egypt'In assessing Muammar Gadaffi's continuIng defiance of the international pressure to force him to quit, the following facts have to be kept in mind, says .IMAGES: 'Rail roko' cripples services in TelanganaTrain services across Telangana region were paralysed on Tuesday as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Telugu Desam Party, Bharatiya Janata Party workers along with other Telangana supporters began a dawn-to-dusk 'rail roko' agitation in support of the separate statehood demand.'Gandhi should never have agreed to Partition'Homai Vyrawalla is 97 and shares her rich treasure trove of anecdotes about India's tallest leaders with Rediff.com's Sanchari Bhattacharya.It's horror on Libyan streets, say rescued IndiansRediff.com caught up with some of the rescued Indians from Libya, who landed at the Delhi airport.Godhra carnage: 11 get death, life for 20Eleven convicts in the Godhra train burning case were on Tuesday handed down death sentence while 20 others were given life imprisonment by a special court in the 2002 incident that left 59 karsevaks dead and triggered riots which claimed over 1,200 lives in Gujarat.Latest PHOTOS: Noose tightens around GaddafiEmbattled Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was pushed further to the brink as opposition forces stormed closer to the capital Tripoli and the international community stepped up pressure on him to leave the country to bring an end to the fighting that has claimed at least 1,000 lives.